David Dawson began his Pura Cup career in record-breaking fashion when he became the first Australian to score a century and carry his bat on first-class debut. Starting with 123 not out against Western Australia, he collected 476 runs at 28 in his first season for Tasmania in 2004-05. A gritty batsman suited to the top order, Dawson collected 467 at 29 in his second season, including an unbeaten 144 that earned Tasmania a hard-fought draw against South Australia. Despite a woeful return to the Pura Cup side in 2007-08 - he made 1 and three ducks - he retained his state contract for the following season before relocating to Sydney. A more aggressive approach helped Dawson top the run tally in Sydney grade cricket in 2011-12 and three years after his last game for Tasmania, he returned to the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales. A backup wicketkeeper behind Brad Haddin and Peter Nevill, Dawson spent much of the 2012-13 season in the state side in both formats and a match-winning 124 not out in the Ryobi Cup against Tasmania was a highlight. Dawson, who grew up in the ACT, attended the Academy in 2002 and 2005, when he toured India and Sri Lanka, and also played for the Prime Minister's XI in 2002 and 2005.
ESPNcricinfo staff